NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Spacecraft: Tracking and Data Relay Satellite-K
Launch Vehicle: Atlas V-401
Launch Site: Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.
Launch Pad: Space Launch Complex-41
Launch Date: Jan. 30, 2013
Launch Time: 8:48 p.m. EST

Image above: The United Launch Alliance Atlas V carrying NASA's TDRS-K spacecraft lifts off Jan. 30, 2013, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Photo credit: NASA
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The TDRS-K spacecraft launched into orbit Jan. 30, 2013, on the power of a United Launch Alliance Atlas V 401 rocket. It lifted off on time at 8:48 p.m. from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The TDRS-K enjoyed a flawless ride into orbit and deployed successfully into a transfer orbit that will allow the communications satellite to reach its operational position 22,300 miles above Earth. From that position, the TDRS-K, like the others before it, will be able to relay signals from NASA spacecraft orbiting the Earth to ground stations. TDRS users include the International Space Station, NASA's Hubble Space Telescope and the agency's fleet of Earth observation satellites.

› TDRS-K/Atlas V Summary (189 KB PDF)
› TDRS-K Media Kit (864 Kb pdf)